He says people should be mindful of the fact that cleaning the filter in the dryer is not enough.

“It’s true that the filter in the dryer collects most of the lint, but there’s always a little bit that bypasses the filter and can accumulate inside the duct,” Hodgson said.

It’s recommended that your dryer is placed against an outside wall so there is a short run.

For these dryers, it may be easier for someone to clean without professional help simply by removing the flex duct from the back of the dryer and then using a brush or vacuum system to remove the lint.

However, if the dryer is located in a more interior portion of the home, or the dryer vent runs through an attic, a professional may be needed to use equipment/cables that can extend to those areas.

The Greensboro Fire Department recommends cleaning your dryer vents and the area around your dryer twice a year at the same time you change the batteries in your smoke detectors.